The Injury Hub: Chondromalacia Patella
Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of Chondramalacia Patella. Book an appointment today.
Chondromalacia Patella is a general term used to describe damage to the cartilage lining the knee cap. It can also be referred to as Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). It is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain and results from degeneration of cartilage due to poor alignment. Physiotherapists are experts in assessing and treating the cause of your knee pain effectively.
The most common symptom is pain or discomfort around the knee. The dull, aching pain is usually located at the front of the knee, around or behind the kneecap.
Patients with Chondromalacia Patella often have altered patella tracking toward the outer side of the thigh bone (femur). Therefore, pain is often felt most with running, jumping, going up and down stairs and especially when getting up from a seat after a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately due to the increase in angle between the hip and knee in women they are more likely to be affected.
Other symptoms include a grating noise when moving the knee and (rarely) some fluid swelling.
It is important that the correct diagnosis is made for all knee injuries and that treatment commences as quickly as possible. Chondromalacia Patella has been associated with repetitive stress, overuse and poor muscular control around the core, hip and knee.
Treatment techniques to address these issues can include specific strengthening exercises to correct muscle imbalance, soft tissue massage, dry needling, joint mobilisation, and in some cases the fitting of custom made orthotics (biomechanics) to correct excessive foot pronation (which has a direct link to patellofemoral pain).
Our Physiotherapists have extensive clinical experience in the treatment of a range of knee conditions. Once your injury or condition has been assessed and diagnosed, our highly skilled Physiotherapists will outline a personalised treatment plan for you.
Treatment may include strengthening exercises and massage as well as pain relief treatment. If necessary our Physiotherapists can consult with our Podiatrists to determine if the use of an orthotic would be appropriate.
All of our Physiotherapists are fully Chartered and insured, so you can be sure you’re in good hands.
